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Registration Suspended Due to E ZPass and NYC Tolls? Here’s What to Do

By May 22, 2024No Comments

If you receive a letter in the mail from the New York DMV saying your car registration might be suspended due to violations relating to E ZPass and regular tolls, here are some answers to questions you might have.

Why did I receive a registration suspension notice from a toll agency?

It usually happens because your car has unpaid tolls. You might have:

  • Driven through a toll booth without paying or using an E-ZPass
  • Not paid the toll bills that were mailed to you

There’s a minimum number of unpaid tolls (3 in 5 years) or a minimum amount owed ($200 or more in 5 years) that can result in a suspension notice.

How can I fix my registration suspension?

  1. Pay the outstanding tolls as soon as possible. If you do this at least 5 days before the suspension date, you’re probably in the clear.
  2. Contact the right agency to make your payment. The agency will depend on which toll road you used:
    1. Port Authority of NY & NJ: (718) 313-9425
    2. NYS Thruway Authority: (718) 313-9414
    3. MTA Bridges & Tunnels: (718) 313-9424
  3. Check the status of your registration online after you pay. You can do this on the NYS DMV website (https://dmv.ny.gov/).

Disputing Tolls If You’re Not Responsible

If you believe the tolls aren’t your responsibility, you can dispute them. There are a few reasons why they might not be yours:

  • You sold the car before the tolls happened (proof of sale needed)
  • You turned in the license plates before the tolls happened (proof needed)
  • The license plates were stolen before the tolls happened (police report needed)
  • You already paid the tolls (proof of payment needed)

There might be other reasons too. Contact the agency listed on your notice to discuss your situation. Even if you dispute the tolls, you still need to resolve it before the suspension date to avoid official suspension.

Want to fight the suspension notice?

The notice will give you instructions on how to request a hearing with the NYS DMV. Don’t send your request to E-ZPass or other toll agencies!

I already had a hearing and lost. Can I appeal?

Yes! The notice you get after the hearing will explain how to appeal the decision.

I paid the tolls, now what?

Once the E-ZPass center gets your payment, they’ll let the NYS DMV know and your registration won’t be suspended. It might take a few days to clear, so be patient.

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